Herald Reporters
THE Mines and Minerals Bill currently before Parliament will strengthen requirements for miners to engage local communities on development needs and introduce penalties for non-compliance, Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura has said.
Responding to questions during a National Assembly Question-and-Answer session, Dr Kambamura noted that while existing policy requires pre-mining consultations, it falls short of enforcing community development commitments.
“Honourable Speaker, we have a policy that says miners, before they engage in mining activities, should consult local communities on what they need in terms of development, although it does not adequately address the issue of community development raised by honourable members,” he said.
“We will bring in the Bill, which will compel miners to implement the commitments they make to local communities. The new law will be used to hold miners accountable if they fail to fulfil their promises. We will be debating the Bill when it comes before Parliament in a few days’ time.”
Gokwe-Kabuyuni legislator Cde Spencer Tshuma asked whether the Government could enact a Statutory Instrument (SI) to compel mining companies to honour their social obligations.
“The SI is already in place and is being administered by the Ministry of Environment, which is why we want to take over its administration as provided for in the Bill,” Dr Kambamura replied.
He added that his ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, through the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), to promote responsible mining and ensure that companies deliver promised infrastructure such as roads, clinics and schools.
